Golf set for Olympic Games return in 2016

Golf is likely to return to the Olympic Games in 2016 following a 112-year absence after The International Olympic Committee’s executive board voted for its inclusion at its Berlin executive board meeting.

However, the recommendation must be officially approved by a full meeting of the IOC congress in Copenhagen in October.

Softball, squash, baseball, karate and roller sports missed out, but rugby sevens did not the nod along with golf.

Golf was last played at the Games in in 1900 – when Walter Rutherford and David Robertson won silver and gold respectively for Great Britain – and four years later in St Louis.

The majority of professionals have backed golf’s bid in the Games, despite concerns that it would co-incide with the Major rota.

The proposed format would be a 72-hole strokeplay competition, with 60 players in each field. The world’s top 15 players would qualify automatically, and all Major professional tours would alter tournament schedules to avoid a clash with the Olympics.

IOC president Jacques Rogge believes that winning an Olympic gold medal would be a top target for most players despite the season’s four Majors- the Masters, the US Open, the Open and the USPGA.

Rogge said: “Ask Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, ask the NHL players, ask the NBA basketball players. They all want to go to the games – they are absolutely not concerned about that.”

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